WhenIarrivedatSenegallia，atthreestagesfromAncona，myvetturinoaskedme，justasIwasgoingtobed，whetherIwouldallowhimtoaccommodateaJewwhowasgoingtoAnconainthechaise。
　　MyfirstimpulsemademeanswersharplythatIwantednooneinmychaise，muchlessaJew。
　　Thevetturinowentout，butavoicesaidwithinme，"Youmusttakethis’
　　poorIsraelite；"andinspiteofmyrepugnanceIcalledbackthemanandsignifiedmyassent。
　　"Thenyoumustmakeupyourmindtostartatanearlierhour，foritisFridayto—morrow，andyouknowtheJewsarenotallowedtotravelaftersunset。"
　　"IshallnotstartamomentearlierthanIintended，butyoucanmakeyourhorsestravelasquicklyasyoulike。"
　　Hegavemenoanswer，andwentout。ThenextmorningIfoundmyJew，anhonest—lookingfellow，inthecarriage。ThefirstthingheaskedmewaswhyIdidnotlikeJews。
　　"Becauseyourreligionteachesyoutohatemenofallotherreligions，especiallyChristians，andyouthinkyouhavedoneameritoriousactionwhenyouhavedeceivedus。Youdonotlookuponusasbrothers。Youareusurious，unmerciful，ourenemies，andsoIdonotlikeyou。"
　　"Youaremistaken，sir。Comewithmetooursynagoguethisevening，andyouwillhearusprayforallChristians，beginningwithourLordthePope。"
　　Icouldnothelpburstingintoaroaroflaughter。
　　"True，"Ireplied，"buttheprayercomesfromthemouthonly，andnotfromtheheart。IfyoudonotimmediatelyconfessthattheJewswouldnotprayfortheChristiansiftheywerethemasters，Iwillflingyououtofthechaise。"
　　OfcourseIdidnotcarryoutthisthreat，butIcompletedhisconfusionbyquotinginHebrewthepassagesintheOldTestament，wheretheJewsarebiddentodoallpossibleharmtotheGentiles，whomtheyweretocurseeveryday。
　　Afterthisthepoormansaidnomore。WhenweweregoingtotakeourdinnerIaskedhimtositbesideme，buthesaidhisreligionwouldnotallowhimtodoso，andthathewouldonlyeateggs，fruit，andsomefoiegrassausagehehadinhispocket。Heonlydrankwaterbecausehewasnotsurethatthewinewasunadulterated。
　　"Youstupidfellow，"Iexclaimed，"howcanyoueverbecertainofthepurityofwineunlessyouhavemadeityourself？"
　　WhenwewereonourwayagainhesaidthatifIlikedtocomeandstaywithhim，andtocontentmyselfwithsuchdishesasGodhadnotforbidden，hewouldmakememorecomfortablethanifIwenttotheinn，andatacheaperrate。
　　"ThenyouletlodgingstoChristians？"
　　"Idon’tletlodgingstoanybody，butIwillmakeanexceptioninyourcasetodisabuseyouofsomeofyourmistakennotions。Iwillonlyaskyousixpaulsaday，andgiveyoutwogoodmealswithoutwine。"
　　"Thenyoumustgivemefishandwine，Ipayingforthemasextras。"
　　"Certainly；IhaveaChristiancook，andmywifepaysagooddealofattentiontothecooking。"
　　"Youcangivemethefoiegraseveryday，ifyouwilleatitwithme。"
　　"Iknowwhatyouthink，butyoushallbesatisfied。"
　　IgotdownattheJew’shouse，wonderingatmyselfasIdidso。However，IknewthatifIdidnotlikemyaccommodationIcouldleavethenextday。
　　Hiswifeandchildrenwerewaitingforhim，andgavehimajoyfulwelcomeinhonouroftheSabbath。AllservileworkwasforbiddenonthisdayholytotheLord；andalloverthehouse，andinthefaceofallthefamily，Iobservedakindoffestalair。
　　Iwaswelcomedlikeabrother，andIrepliedasbestIcould；butawordfromMardocheus（sohewascalled）changedtheirpolitenessoffeelingintoapolitenessofinterest。
　　Mardocheusshewedmetworoomsformetochoosetheonewhichsuitedme，butlikingthembothIsaidIwouldtakethetwoforanotherpauladay，withwhicharrangementhewaswellenoughpleased。
　　Mardocheustoldhiswifewhatwehadsettled，andsheinstructedtheChristianservanttocookmysupperforme。
　　Ihadmyeffectstakenupstairs，andthenwentwithMardocheustothesynagogue。
　　DuringtheshortservicetheJewspaidnoattentiontomeortoseveralotherChristianswhowerepresent。TheJewsgotothesynagoguetopray，andinthisrespectIthinktheirconductworthyofimitationbytheChristians。
　　OnleavingthesynagogueIwentbymyselftotheExchange，thinkingoverthehappytimewhichwouldneverreturn。
　　ItwasinAnconathatIhadbeguntoenjoylife；andwhenIthoughtitover，itwasquiteashocktofindthatthiswasthirtyyearsago，forthirtyyearsisalongperiodinaman’slife。AndyetIfeltquitehappy，inspiteofthetenthlustrumsonearathandforme。
　　WhatadifferenceIfoundbetweenmyyouthandmymiddleage！Icouldscarcelyrecognizemyself。Iwasthenhappy，butnowunhappy；thenalltheworldwasbeforeme，andthefutureseemedagorgeousdream，andnowIwasobligedtoconfessthatmylifehadbeenallinvain。Imightlivetwentyyearsmore，butIfeltthatthehappytimewaspassedaway，andthefutureseemedalldreary。
　　Ireckonedupmyforty—sevenyears，andsawfortuneflyaway。Thisinitselfwasenoughtosaddenme，forwithoutthefavoursoftheficklegoddesslifewasnotworthliving，formeatallevents。
　　Myobject，then，wastoreturntomycountry；itwasasifIstruggledtoundoallthatIhaddone。AllIcouldhopeforwastosoftenthehardshipsoftheslowbutcertainpassagetothegrave。
　　Thesearethethoughtsofdecliningyearsandnotofyouth。Theyoungmanlooksonlytothepresent，believesthattheskywillalwayssmileuponhim，andlaughsatphilosophyasitvainlypreachesofoldage，misery，repentance，and，worstofall，abhorreddeath。
　　Suchweremythoughtstwenty—sixyearsago；whatmusttheybenow，whenI
　　amallalone，poor，despised，andimpotent。TheywouldkillmeifIdidnotresolutelysubduethem，forwhetherforgoodorillmyheartisstillyoung。Ofwhatusearedesireswhenonecannolongersatisfythem？I
　　writetokillennui，andItakeapleasureinwriting。WhetherIwritesenseornonsense，whatmatters？Iamamused，andthatisenough。
　　’Maloscriptordelirus，inersquevideri，Dummeadelectentmalameveldeniquefallunt，Quamsapere。’
　　WhenIcamebackIfoundMardocheusatsupperwithhisnumerousfamily，composedofelevenortwelveindividuals，andincludinghismother——anoldwomanofninety，wholookedverywell。InoticedanotherJewofmiddleage；hewasthehusbandofhiseldestdaughter，whodidnotstrikemeaspretty；buttheyoungerdaughter，whowasdestinedforaJewofPesaro，whomshehadneverseen，engagedallmyattention。Iremarkedtoherthatifshehadnotseenherfuturehusbandshecouldnotbeinlovewithhim，whereuponsherepliedinaseriousvoicethatitwasnotnecessarytobeinlovebeforeonemarried。Theoldwomanpraisedthegirlforthissentiment，andsaidshehadnotbeeninlovewithherhusbandtillthefirstchildwasborn。
　　IshallcalltheprettyJewessLeah，asIhavegoodreasonsfornotusingherrealname。
　　WhiletheywereenjoyingtheirmealIsatdownbesideherandtriedtomakemyselfasagreeableaspossible，butshewouldnotevenlookatme。
　　Mysupperwasexcellent，andmybedverycomfortable。
　　ThenextdaymylandlordtoldmethatIcouldgivemylinentothemaid，andthatLeahcouldgetitupforme。
　　ItoldhimIhadrelishedmysupper，butthatIshouldlikethefoiegraseverydayasIhadadispensation。
　　"Youshallhavesometo—morrow，butLeahistheonlyoneofuswhoeatsit。"
　　"ThenLeahmusttakeitwithme，andyoucantellherthatIshallgivehersomeCypruswinewhichisperfectlypure。"
　　Ihadnowine，butIwentforitthesamemorningtotheVenetianconsul，givinghimM。Dandolo’sletter。
　　TheconsulwasaVenetianoftheoldleaven。Hehadheardmyname，andseemeddelightedtomakemyacquaintance。Hewasakindofclownwithoutthepaint，fondofajoke，aregulargourmand，andamanofgreatexperience。HesoldmesomeScopoloandoldCyprusMuscat，buthebegantoexclaimwhenheheardwhereIwaslodging，andhowIhadcomethere。
　　"Heisrich，"hesaid，"butheisalsoagreatusurer，andifyouborrowmoneyofhimhewillmakeyourepentit。"
　　AfterinformingtheconsulthatIshouldnotleavetilltheendofthemonth，Iwenthometodinner，whichprovedexcellent。
　　ThenextdayIgaveoutmylinentothemaid，andLeahcametoaskmehowIlikedmylacegotup。
　　IfLeahhadexaminedmemorecloselyshewouldhaveseenthatthesightofhermagnificentbreast，unprotectedbyanykerchief，hadhadaremarkableeffectonme。
　　ItoldherthatIleftitalltoher，andthatshecoulddowhatshelikedwiththelinen。
　　"Thenitwillallcomeundermyhandsifyouareinnohurrytogo。"
　　"Youcanmakemestayaslongasyoulike，"saidI；butsheseemednottohearthisdeclaration。
　　"Everythingisquiteright，"Icontinued，"exceptthechocolate；Ilikeitwellfrothed。"
　　"ThenIwillmakeitforyoumyself。"
　　"ThenIwillgiveoutadoublequantity，andwewilltakeittogether。"
　　"Idon’tlikechocolate。"
　　"Iamsorrytohearthat；butyoulikefoiegras？"
　　"Yes，Ido；andfromwhatfathertellsmeIamgoingtotakesomewithyouto—day。"
　　"Ishallbedelighted。"
　　"Isupposeyouareafraidofbeingpoisoned？"
　　"Notatall；Ionlywishwecoulddietogether。"
　　Shepretendednottounderstand，andleftmeburningwithdesire。IfeltthatImusteitherobtainpossessionofherortellherfathernottosendherintomyroomanymore。
　　TheTurinJewesshadgivenmesomevaluablehintsastotheconductofamourswithJewishgirls。
　　MytheorywasthatLeahwouldbemoreeasilywonthanshe，foratAnconatherewasmuchmorelibertythanatTurin。
　　Thiswasarake’sreasoning，butevenrakesaremistakensometimes。
　　Thedinnerthatwasservedtomewasverygood，thoughcookedintheJewishstyle，andLeahbroughtinthefoiegrasandsatdownoppositetomewithamuslinkerchiefoverherbreast。
　　Thefoiegraswasexcellent，andwewasheditdownwithcopiouslibationsofScopolo，whichLeahfoundverymuchtohertaste。
　　Whenthefoiegraswasfinishedshegotup，butIstoppedher，forthedinnerwasonlyhalfover。
　　"Iwillstaythen，"saidshe，"butIamafraidmyfatherwillobject。"
　　"Verygood。Callyourmaster，"Isaidtothemaidwhocameinatthatmoment，"Ihaveawordtospeaktohim。"
　　"MydearMardocheus，"Isaidwhenhecame，"yourdaughter’sappetitedoublesmine，andIshallbemuchobligedifyouwillallowhertokeepmecompanywheneverwehavefoiegras。"
　　"Itisn’ttomyprofittodoubleyourappetite，butifyouliketopaydoubleIshallhavenoobjection。"
　　"Verygood，thatarrangementwillsuitme。"
　　InevidenceofmysatisfactionIgavehimabottleofScopolo，whichLeahguaranteedpure。
　　Wedinedtogether，andseeingthatthewinewasmakinghermirthfulI
　　toldherthathereyeswereinflamingmeandthatshemustletmekissthem。
　　"Mydutyobligesmetosaynay。Nokissingandnotouching；wehaveonlygottoeatanddrinktogether，andIshalllikeitasmuchasyou。"
　　"Youarecruel。"
　　"Iamwhollydependentonmyfather。"
　　"ShallIaskyourfathertogiveyouleavetobekind？"
　　"Idon’tthinkthatwouldbeproper，andmyfathermightbeoffendedandnotallowmetoseeyouanymore。"
　　"Andsupposinghetoldyounottobescrupulousabouttrifles？"
　　"ThenIshoulddespisehimandcontinuetodomyduty。"
　　SoclearadeclarationshewedmethatifIperseveredinthisintrigueI
　　mightgoonforeverwithoutsuccess。IalsobethoughtmethatIranariskofneglectingmychiefbusiness，whichwouldnotallowmetostaylonginAncona。
　　IsaidnothingmoretoLeahjustthen，andwhenthedessertcameinI
　　gavehersomeCypruswine，whichshedeclaredwasthemostdeliciousnectarshehadevertasted。
　　Isawthatthewinewasheatingher，anditseemedincredibletomethatBacchusshouldreignwithoutVenus；butshehadahardhead，herbloodwashotandherbraincool。
　　However，Itriedtoseizeherhandandkissit，butshedrewitaway，sayingpleasantly，——
　　"It’stoomuchforhonourandtoolittleforlove。"
　　Thiswittyremarkamusedme，anditalsoletmeknowthatshewasnotexactlyaneophyte。
　　Ideterminedtopostponematterstillthenextday，andtoldhernottogetmeanysupperasIwassuppingwiththeVenetianconsul。
　　Theconsulhadtoldmethathedidnotdine，butthathewouldalwaysbedelightedtoseemeatsupper。
　　ItwasmidnightwhenIcamehome，andeveryonewasasleepexceptthemaidwholetmein。Igavehersuchagratuitythatshemusthavewishedmetokeeplatehoursfortherestofmystay。
　　IproceededtosoundheraboutLeah，butshetoldmenothingbutgood。
　　Ifshewastobebelieved，Leahwasagoodgirl，alwaysatwork，lovedbyall，andfancyfree。Themaidcouldnothavepraisedherbetterifshehadbeenpaidtodoso。
　　InthemorningLeahbroughtthechocolateandsatdownonmybed，sayingthatweshouldhavesomefinefoiegras，andthatsheshouldhaveallthebetterappetitefordinnerasshehadnottakenanysupper。
　　"Whydidn’tyoutakeanysupper？"
　　"IsupposeitwasbecauseofyourexcellentCypruswine，towhichmyfatherhastakenagreatliking。"
　　"Ah！helikeit？Wewillgivehimsome。"
　　Leahwasinastateofundressasbefore，andthesightofherhalf—
　　coveredspheresdrovemetodistraction。
　　"Areyounotawarethatyouhaveabeautifulbreast？"saidI。
　　"Ithoughtallyounggirlswerejustthesame。"
　　"Haveyounosuspicionthatthesightisaverypleasantoneforme？"
　　"Ifthatbeso，Iamveryglad，forIhavenothingtobeashamedof，foragirlhasnocalltohideherthroatanymorethanherface，unlesssheisingrandcompany。"
　　Asshewasspeaking，Leahlookedatagoldenhearttransfixedwithanarrowandsetwithsmalldiamondswhichservedmeasashirtstud。
　　"Doyoulikethelittleheart？"saidI。
　　"Verymuch。Isitpuregold？"
　　"Certainly，andthatbeingsoIthinkImayofferittoyou。"
　　SosayingItookitoff，butshethankedmepolitely，andsaidthatagirlwhogavenothingmusttakenothing。
　　"Takeit；Iwillneveraskanyfavourofyou。"
　　"ButIshouldbeindebtedtoyou，andthat’sthereasonwhyInevertakeanything。"
　　Isawthattherewasnothingtobedone，orratherthatitwouldbenecessarytodotoomuchtodoanything，andthatinanycasethebestplanwouldbetogiveherup。
　　Iputasideallthoughtsofviolence，whichwouldonlyangerherormakeherlaughatme。Ishouldeitherhavebeendegraded，orrenderedmoreamorous，andallfornothing。Ifshehadtakenoffenseshewouldnothavecometoseemeanymore，andIshouldhavehadnoughttocomplainof。InfineImadeupmymindtorestrainmyself，andindulgenomoreinamoroustalk。
　　Wedinedverypleasantlytogether。Theservantbroughtinsomeshell—
　　fish，whichareforbiddenbytheMosaicLaw。WhilethemaidwasintheroomIaskedLeahtotakesome，andsherefusedindignantly；butdirectlythegirlwasgoneshetooksomeofherownaccordandatethemeagerly，assuringmethatitwasthefirsttimeshehadhadthepleasureoftastingshellfish。
　　"Thisgirl，"Isaidtomyself，"whobreaksthelawofherreligionwithsuchlevity，wholikespleasureanddoesnotconcealit，thisisthegirlwhowantstomakemebelievethatsheisinsensibletothepleasuresoflove；that’simpossible，thoughshemaynotloveme。Shemusthavesomesecretmeansofsatisfyingherpassions，whichinmyopinionareveryviolent。WewillseewhatcanbedonethiseveningwiththehelpofabottleofgoodMuscat。"
　　However，whentheeveningcame，shesaidshecouldnotdrinkoreatanything，asamealalwayspreventedhersleeping。
　　Thenextdayshebroughtmemychocolate，butherbeautifulbreastwascoveredwithawhitekerchief。Shesatdownonthebedasusual，andI
　　observedinamelancholymannerthatshehadonlycoveredherbreastbecauseIhadsaidItookapleasureinseeingit。
　　Sherepliedthatshehadnotthoughtofanything，andhadonlyputonherkerchiefbecauseshehadhadnotimetofastenherstays。
　　"Youarewholeright，"Isaid，smilingly，"forifIweretoseethewholebreastImightnotthinkitbeautiful。"
　　Shegavenoanswer，andIfinishedmychocolate。
　　Irecollectedmycollectionofobscenepictures，andIbeggedLeahtogivemethebox，tellingherthatIwouldshewhersomeofthemostbeautifulbreastsintheworld。
　　"Ishan’tcaretoseethem，"saidshe；butshegavemethebox，andsatdownonmybedasbefore。
　　Itookoutapictureofanakedwomanlyingonherbackandabusingherself，andcoveringupthelowerpartofitIshewedittoLeah。
　　"Butherbreastislikeanyother，"saidLeah。
　　"Takeawayyourhandkerchief。"
　　"Takeitback；it’sdisgusting。It’swellenoughdone，"sheadded，withaburstoflaughter，"butit’snonoveltyforme。"
　　"Nonoveltyforyou？"
　　"Ofcoursenot；everygirldoeslikethatbeforeshegetsmarried。"
　　"Thenyoudoit，too？"
　　"WheneverIwantto。"
　　"Doitnow。"
　　"Awell—bredgirlalwaysdoesitinprivate。"
　　"Andwhatdoyoudoafter？"
　　"IfIaminbedIgotosleep。"
　　"MydearLeah，yoursincerityistoomuchforme。Eitherbekindorvisitmenomore。"
　　"Youareveryweak，Ithink。"
　　"Yes，becauseIamstrong。"
　　"Thenhenceforthweshallonlymeetatdinner。Butchewmesomemoreminiatures。"
　　"Ihavesomepictureswhichyouwillnotlike。"
　　"Letmeseethem。"
　　IgaveherArentin’sfigures，andwasastonishedtoseehowcoollysheexaminedthem，passingfromonetotheotherinthemostcommonplaceway。
　　"Doyouthinktheminteresting？"Isaid。
　　"Yes，very；theyaresonatural。Butagoodgirlshouldnotlookatsuchpictures；anyonemustbeawarethatthesevoluptuousattitudesexciteone’semotions。"
　　"Ibelieveyou，Leah，andIfeelitasmuchasyou。Lookhere！"
　　Shesmiledandtookthebookawaytothewindow，turningherbacktowardsmewithouttakinganynoticeofmyappeal。
　　Ihadtocooldownanddressmyself，andwhenthehairdresserarrivedLeahwentaway，sayingshewouldreturnmemybookatdinner。
　　Iwasdelighted，thinkingIwassureofvictoryeitherthatdayorthenext，butIwasoutofmyreckoning。
　　Wedinedwellanddrankbetter。AtdessertLeahtookthebookoutofherpocketandsetmeallonfirebyaskingmetoexplainsomeofthepicturesbutforbiddingallpracticaldemonstration。
　　Iwentoutimpatiently，determinedtowaittillnextmorning。
　　WhenthecruelJewesscameinthemorningshetoldmethatshewantedexplanations，butthatImustusethepicturesandnothingmoreasademonstrationofmyremarks。
　　"Certainly，"Ireplied，"butyoumustanswerallmyquestionsastoyoursex。"
　　"Ipromisetodoso，iftheyarisenaturallyfromthepictures。"
　　Thelessonlastedtwohours，andahundredtimesdidIcurseAretinandmyfollyinshewingherhisdesigns，forwheneverImadetheslightestattemptthepitilesswomanthreatenedtoleaveme。Buttheinformationshegavemeaboutherownsexwasaperfecttormenttome。Shetoldmethemostlasciviousdetails，andexplainedwiththeutmostminutenessthedifferentexternalandinternalmovementswhichwouldbedevelopedinthecopulationspicturedbyAretin。Ithoughtitquiteimpossiblethatshecouldbereasoningfromtheoryalone。Shewasnottroubledbytheslightesttinctureofmodesty，butphilosophizedoncoitionascoollyandmuchmorelearnedlythanHedvig。IwouldwillinglyhavegivenherallI
　　possessedtocrownhersciencebytheperformanceofthegreatwork。Shesworeitwasallpuretheorywithher，andIthoughtshemustbespeakingthetruthwhenshesaidshewantedtogetmarriedtoseeifhernotionswererightorwrong。ShelookedpensivewhenItoldherthatthehusbanddestinedforhermightbeunabletodischargehisconnubialdutiesmorethanonceaweek。
　　"Doyoumeantosay，"saidshe，"thatonemanisnotasgoodasanother？"
　　"Howdoyoumean？"
　　"Arenotallmenabletomakeloveeveryday，andeveryhour，justastheyeat，drinkandsleepeveryday？"
　　"No，dearLeah，theythatcanmakeloveeverydayareveryscarce。"
　　InmystateofchronicirritationIfeltmuchannoyedthattherewasnodecentplaceatAnconawhereamanmightappeasehispassionsforhismoney。ItrembledtothinkthatIwasindangeroffallingreallyinlovewithLeah，andItoldtheconsuleverydaythatIwasinnohurrytogo。Iwasasfoolishasaboyinhiscalf—love。IpicturedLeahasthepurestofwomen，forwithstrongpassionssherefusedtogratifythem。
　　Isawinheramodelofvirtue；shewasallself—restraintandpurity，resistingtemptationinspiteofthefirethatconsumedher。
　　BeforelongthereaderwilldiscoverhowveryvirtuousLeahwas。
　　AfternineortendaysIhadrecoursetoviolence，notindeedsbutinwords。SheconfessedIwasintheright，andsaidmybestplanwouldbetoforbidhertocomeandseemeinthemorning。Atdinner，accordingtoher，therewouldbenorisk。
　　Imadeupmymindtoaskhertocontinuehervisits，buttocoverherbreastandavoidallamorousconversation。
　　"Withallmyheart，"shereplied，laughing；"butbesureIshallnotbethefirsttobreaktheconditions。"
　　Ifeltnoinclinationtobreakthemeither，forthreedayslaterIfeltwearyofthesituation，andtoldtheconsulIwouldstartonthefirstopportunity。MypassionforLeahwasspoilingmyappetite，andIthussawmyselfdeprivedofmysecondarypleasurewithoutanyprospectofgainingmyprimaryenjoyment。
　　AfterwhatIhadsaidtotheconsulIfeltIshouldbeboundtogo，andI
　　wenttobedcalmlyenough。Butabouttwoo’clockinthemorningIhad，contrarytomyusualhabit，togetupandoffersacrificetoCloacina。I
　　leftmyroomwithoutanycandle，asIknewmywaywellenoughaboutthehouse。
　　Thetempleofthegoddesswasonthegroundfloor，butasIhadputonmysoftslippers，andwalkedverysoftly，myfootstepsdidnotmaketheleastnoise。
　　OnmywayupstairsIsawalightshiningthroughachinkinthedoorofaroomwhichIknewtobeunoccupied。Icreptsoftlyup，notdreamingforamomentthatLeahcouldbethereatsuchanhour。ButonputtingmyeyetothechinkIfoundIcouldseeabed，andonitwereLeahandayoungman，bothstarknaked，andoccupiedinworkingoutAretin’sposturestothebestoftheirability。Theywerewhisperingtooneanother，andeveryfourorfiveminutesIhadthepleasureofseeinganewposture。
　　ThesechangesofpositiongavemeaviewofallthebeautiesofLeah，andthispleasurewassomethingtosetagainstmyrageinhavingtakensuchaprofligatecreatureforavirtuouswoman。
　　Everytimetheyapproachedthecompletionofthegreatworktheystoppedshort，andcompletedwhattheyweredoingwiththeirhands。
　　WhentheyweredoingtheStraightTree，tomymindthemostlasciviousofthemall，LeahbehavedlikeatrueLesbian；forwhiletheyoungmanexcitedheramorousfuryshegotholdofhisinstrumentandtookitbetweenherlipstilltheworkwascomplete。Icouldnotdoubtthatshehadswallowedthevitalfluidofmyfortunaterival。
　　TheAdonisthenshewedherthefeebleinstrument，andLeahseemedtoregretwhatshehaddone。Beforelongshebegantoexcitehimagain；butthefellowlookedathiswatch，pushedheraway，andbegantoputonhisshirt。
　　Leahseemedangry，andIcouldseethatshereproachedhimforsometimebeforeshebegantodress。
　　WhentheywerenearlyclothedIsoftlyreturnedtomyroomandlookedoutofawindowcommandingthehouse—door。IhadnottowaitlongbeforeI
　　sawthefortunatelovergoingout。
　　IwenttobedindignantwithLeah；Ifeltmyselfdegraded。Shewasnolongervirtuous，butavillainousprostituteinmyeyes；andIfelltosleepwiththefirmresolveofdrivingherfrommyroomthenextmorning，aftershamingherwiththestoryofthesceneIhadwitnessed。But，alas，hastyandangryresolvescanseldomwithstandafewhours’sleep。
　　AssoonasIsawLeahcominginwithmychocolate，smilingandgayasusual，ItoldherquitecoollyalltheexploitsIhadseenherexecuting，layingparticularstressontheStraightTree，andthecuriousliquidshehadswallowed。IendedbysayingthatIhopedshewouldgivemethenextnight，bothtocrownmyloveandinsuremysecrecy。
　　SheansweredwithperfectcalmthatIhadnothingtoexpectfromherasshedidnotloveme，andasforkeepingthesecretshedefiedmetodiscloseit。
　　"Iamsureyouwouldnotbeguiltyofsuchadisgracefulaction，"saidshe。
　　Withthesewordssheturnedherbackonmeandwentout。
　　Icouldnothelpconfessingtomyselfthatshewasintheright；Icouldnotbringmyselftocommitsuchabaseness。Shehadmademereasonableinafewwords:
　　"Idon’tloveyou。"Therewasnoreplytothis，andIfeltIhadnoclaimonher。
　　Ratheritwasshewhomightcomplainofme；whatrighthadItospyoverher？Icouldnotaccuseherofdeceivingme；shewasfreetodowhatshelikedwithherself。Mybestcoursewasclearlytobesilent。
　　Idressedmyselfhastily，andwenttotheExchange，whereIheardthatavesselwassailingforFiumethesameday。
　　FiumeisjustoppositeAnconaontheothersideofthegulf。FromFiumetoTriestethedistanceisfortymiles，andIdecidedtogobythatroute。
　　Iwentaboardtheshipandtookthebestplace，saidgood—byetotheconsul，paidMardocheus，andpackedmytrunks。
　　LeahheardthatIwasgoingthesameday，andcameandtoldmethatshecouldnotgivemebackmylaceandmysilkstockingsthatday，butthatI
　　couldhavethembythenextday。
　　"Yourfather，"Irepliedcoolly，"willhandthemallovertotheVenetianconsul，whowillsendthemtomeatTrieste。"
　　JustasIwassittingdowntodinner，thecaptainoftheboatcameformyluggagewithasailor。Itoldhimhecouldhavemytrunk，andthatI
　　wouldbringtherestaboardwheneverhelikedtogo。
　　"Iintendsettingoutanhourbeforedusk。"
　　"Ishallbeready。"
　　WhenMardocheusheardwhereIwasgoinghebeggedmetotakechargeofasmallboxandaletterhewantedtosendtoafriend。
　　"Ishallbedelightedtodoyouthissmallservice。"
　　AtdinnerLeahsatdownwithmeandchatteredasusual，withouttroublingherselfaboutmymonosyllabicanswers。
　　Isupposedshewishedmetocreditherwithcalmconfidenceandphilosophy，whileIlookeduponitallasbrazenimpudence。
　　Ihatedanddespisedher。Shehadinflamedmypassions，toldmetomyfaceshedidnotloveme，andseemedtoclaimmyrespectthroughitall。
　　Possiblysheexpectedmetobegratefulforherremarkthatshebelievedmeincapableofbetrayinghertoherfather。
　　AsshedrankmyScopoloshesaidtherewereseveralbottlesleft，aswellassomeMuscat。
　　"Imakeyouapresentofitall，"Ireplied，"itwillprimeyouupforyournocturnalorgies。"
　　ShesmiledandsaidIhadhadagratuitoussightofaspectaclewhichwasworthmoney，andthatifIwerenotgoingsosuddenlyshewouldgladlyhavegivenmeanotheropportunity。
　　Thispieceofimpudencemademewanttobreakthewinebottleonherhead。ShemusthaveknownwhatIwasgoingtodofromthewayItookitup，butshedidnotwaverforamoment。Thiscoolnessofherspreventedmycommittingacrime。
　　IcontentedmyselfwithsayingthatshewasthemostimpudentslutIhadevermet，andIpouredthewineintomyglasswithashakinghand，asifthatwerethepurposeforwhichIhadtakenupthebottle。
　　AfterthissceneIgotupandwentintothenextroom；nevertheless，inhalfanhourshecametotakecoffeewithme。
　　Thispersistenceofhersdisgustedme，butIcalmedmyselfbythereflectionthatherconductmustbedictatedbyvengeance。
　　"Ishouldliketohelpyoutopack，"saidshe。
　　"AndIshouldliketobeleftalone，"Ireplied；andtakingherbythearmIledheroutoftheroomandlockedthedoorafterher。
　　Wewerebothofusintheright。Leahhaddeceivedandhumiliatedme，andIhadreasontodetesther，whileIhaddiscoveredherforamonsterofhypocrisyandimmodesty，andthiswasgoodcauseforhertodislikeme。
　　Towardseveningtwosailorscameaftertherestoftheluggage，andthankingmyhostessItoldLeahtoputupmylinen，andtogiveittoherfather，whohadtakentheboxofwhichIwastobethebearerdowntothevessel。
　　Wesetsailwithafairwind，andIthoughtnevertosetfaceonLeahagain。Butfatehadorderedotherwise。
　　Wehadgonetwentymileswithagoodwindinourquarter，bywhichwewerebornegentlyfromwavetowave，whenallofasuddentherefelladeadcalm。
　　TheserapidchangesarecommonenoughintheAdriatic，especiallyinthepartwewerein。
　　Thecalmlastedbutashorttime，andastiffwindfromthewest—north—
　　westbegantoblow，withtheresultthattheseabecameveryrough，andI
　　wasveryill。
　　Atmidnightthestormhadbecomedangerous。Thecaptaintoldmethatifwepersistedingoinginthewind’seyeweshouldbewrecked，andthattheonlythingtobedonewastoreturntoAncona。
　　Inlessthanthreehourswemadetheharbour，andtheofficeroftheguardhavingrecognizedmekindlyallowedmetoland。
　　WhileIwastalkingtotheofficerthesailorstookmytrunks，andcarriedthemtomyoldlodgingswithoutwaitingtoaskmyleave。
　　Iwasvexed。IwantedtoavoidLeah，andIhadintendedtosleepatthenearestinn。However，therewasnohelpforit。WhenIarrivedtheJewgotup，andsaidhewasdelightedtoseemeagain。
　　Itwaspastthreeo’clockinthemorning，andIfeltveryill，soIsaidIwouldnotgetuptilllate，andthatIwoulddineinmybedwithoutanyfoiegras。Islepttenhours，andwhenIawokeIfelthungryandrangmybell。
　　Themaidansweredandsaidthatshewouldhavethehonourofwaitingonme，asLeahhadaviolentheadache。
　　Imadenoanswer，thankingProvidencefordeliveringmefromthisimpudentanddangerouswoman。
　　HavingfoundmydinnerratherspareItoldthecooktogetmeagoodsupper。
　　Theweatherwasdreadful。TheVenetianconsulhadheardofmyreturn，andnothavingseenmeconcludedIwasill，andpaidmeatwohours’
　　visit。Heassuredmethestormwouldlastforaweekatleast。Iwasverysorrytohearit；inthefirstplace，becauseIdidnotwanttoseeanymoreofLeah，andinthesecond，becauseIhadnotgotanymoney。
　　LuckilyIhadgotvaluableeffects，sothissecondconsiderationdidnottroublememuch。
　　AsIdidnotseeLeahatsupper—timeIimaginedthatshewasfeigningillnesstoavoidmeetingme，andIfeltverymuchobligedtoheronthisaccount。Asitappeared，however，Iwasentirelymistakeninmyconjectures。
　　Thenextdayshecametoaskforchocolateinherusualway，butshenolongerboreuponherfeaturesheroldtranquillityofexpression。
　　"Iwilltakecoffee，mademoiselle，"Iobserved；"andasIdonotwantfoiegrasanylonger，Iwilltakedinnerbymyself。Consequently，youmaytellyourfatherthatIshallonlypaysevenpaulsaday。InfutureIshallonlydrinkOrvietowine。"
　　"YouhavestillfourbottlesofScopoloandCyprus"
　　"Inevertakebackapresent；thewinebelongstoyou。Ishallbeobligedbyyourleavingmealoneasmuchaspossible，asyourconductisenoughtoirritateSocrates，andIamnotSocrates。Besides，theverysightofyouisdisagreeabletome。Yourbodymaybebeautiful，butknowingthatthesoulwithinisamonsteritcharmsmenolonger。Youmaybeverysurethatthesailorsbroughtmyluggageherewithoutmyorders，orelseyouwouldneverhaveseenmehereagain，whereIdreadbeingpoisonedeveryday。"
　　Leahwentoutwithoutgivingmeanyanswer，andIfeltcertainthataftermyplain—spokendiscourseshewouldtakecarenottotroublemeagain。
　　ExperiencehadtaughtmethatgirlslikeLeaharenotuncommon。IhadknownspecimensatSpa，Genoa，London，andatVenice，butthisJewesswastheworstIhadevermet。
　　ItwasSaturday。WhenMardocheuscamebackfromthesynagogueheaskedmegailywhyIhadmortifiedhisdaughter，asshehaddeclaredshehaddonenothingtooffendme。
　　"Ihavenotmortifiedher，mydearMardocheus，oratallevents，suchwasnotmyintention；butasIhaveputmyselfondiet，Ishallbeeatingnomorefoiegras，andconsequentlyIshalldinebymyself，andsavethreepaulsaday。"
　　"Leahisquitereadytopaymeoutofherprivatepurse，andshewantstodinewithyoutoassureyouagainstbeingpoisoned，assheinformsmethatyouhaveexpressedthatfear。"
　　"Thatwasonlyajest；IamperfectlyawarethatIaminthehouseofanhonestman。Idon’twantyourdaughtertopayforherself，andtoprovethatIamnotactuatedbyfeelingsofeconomy，youshalldinewithmetoo。Tooffertopayformeisanimpertinenceonherpart。Infine，I
　　willeitherdinebymyselfandpayyousevenpawlsaday，orIwillpayyouthirteen，andhavebothfatheranddaughtertodinewithme。"
　　TheworthyMardocheuswentaway，sayingthathereallycouldnotallowmetodinebymyself。
　　Atdinner—timeItalkedonlytoMardocheus，withoutglancingatLeahorpayinganyattentiontothewittysalliessheutteredtoattractme。I
　　onlydrankOrvieto。
　　AtdessertLeahfilledmyglasswithScopolo，sayingthatifIdidnotdrinkitneitherwouldshe。
　　Ireplied，withoutlookingather，thatIadvisedheronlytodrinkwaterforthefuture，andthatIwantednothingatherhands。
　　Mardocheus，wholikedwine，laughedandsaidIwasright，anddrankforthree。
　　Theweathercontinuedbad，andIspenttherestofthedayinwriting，andaftersupperIretiredandwenttosleep。
　　SuddenlyIwasarousedbyaslightnoise。
　　"Whoisthere？"saidI。
　　IheardLeah’svoice，whisperinginreply，"’TisI；Ihavenotcometodisturbyou，buttojustifymyself。"
　　Sosayingshelaydownonthebed，butontheoutsideofthecoverlet。
　　Iwaspleasedwiththisextraordinaryvisit，formysoledesirewasforvengeance，andIfeltcertainofbeingabletoresistallherarts。I
　　thereforetoldherpolitelyenoughthatIconsideredherasalreadyjustifiedandthatIshouldbeobligedbyherleavingmeasIwantedtogotosleep。
　　"NotbeforeyouhaveheardwhatIhavetosay。"
　　"Goon；Iamlisteningtoyou。"
　　ThereuponshebeganadiscoursewhichIdidnotinterrupt，andwhichlastedforagoodhour。
　　Shespokeveryartfully，andafterconfessingshehaddonewrongshesaidthatatmyageIshouldhavebeenreadytooverlookthefolliesofayoungandpassionategirl。Accordingtoheritwasallweakness，andpardonableatsuchanage。
　　"IswearIloveyou，"saidshe，"andIwouldhavegivenyougoodproofbeforenowifIhadnotbeensounfortunateastolovetheyoungChristianyousawwithme，whilehedoesnotcareformeintheleast；
　　indeedIhavetopayhim。
　　"Inspiteofmypassion，"shecontinued，"Ihavenevergivenhimwhatagirlcangivebutonce。Ihadnotseenhimforsixmonths，anditwasyourfaultthatIsentforhim，foryouinflamedmewithyourpicturesandstrongwines。"
　　TheendofitallwasthatIoughttoforgeteverything，andtreatherkindlyduringthefewdaysIwastoremainthere。
　　WhenshefinishedIdidnotallowmyselftomakeanyobjection。I
　　pretendedtobeconvinced，assuringherthatIfeltIhadbeeninthewronginlettingherseeAretin’sfigures，andthatIwouldnolongerevinceanyresentmenttowardsher。
　　Asherexplanationdidnotseemlikelytoendinthewayshewished，shewentontalkingabouttheweaknessoftheflesh，thestrengthofself—
　　lovewhichoftenhushesthevoiceofpassion，etc。，etc。；heraimbeingtopersuademethatshelovedme，andthatherrefusalshadallbeengivenwiththeideaofmakingmylovethestronger。
　　NodoubtImighthavegivenheragreatmanyanswers，butIsaidnothing。
　　ImadeupmymindtoawaittheassaultthatIsawwasimpending，andthenbyrefusingallheradvancesIreckonedonabasinghertotheuttermost。
　　Nevertheless，shemadenomotion；herhandswereatrest，andshekeptherfaceataduedistancefrommine。
　　Atlast，tiredoutwiththestruggle，sheleftmepretendingtobeperfectlysatisfiedwithwhatshehaddone。
　　Assoonasshehadgone，Icongratulatedmyselfonthefactthatshehadconfinedherselftoverbalpersuasion；forifshehadgonefurthershewouldprobablyhaveachievedacompletevictory，thoughwewereinthedark。
　　ImustmentionthatbeforesheleftmeIhadtopromisetoallowhertomakemychocolateasusual。
　　Earlythenextmorningshecameforthestickofchocolate。Shewasinacompletestateofnegligee，andcameinontiptoe，thoughifshechosetolooktowardsthebedshemighthaveseenthatIwaswideawake。
　　Imarkedherartificesandhercunning，andresolvedtobeequaltoallherwiles。WhenshebroughtthechocolateInoticedthatthereweretwocupsonthetray，andIsaid，——
　　"Thenitisnottruethatyoudon’tlikechocolate？"
　　"Ifeelobligedtorelieveyouofallfearofbeingpoisoned。"
　　Inoticedthatshewasnowdressedwiththeutmostdecency，whilehalfanhourbeforeshehadonlyherchemiseandpetticoatherneckbeingperfectlybare。Themoreresolvedsheseemedtogainthevictory，themorefirmlyIwasdeterminedtohumiliateher，asitappearedtometheonlyotheralternativewouldhavebeenmyshameanddishonour；andthisturnedmetostone。
　　Inspiteofmyresolves，Leahrenewedtheattackatdinner，for，contrarytomyorders，sheservedamagnificentfoiegras，tellingmethatitwasforherself，andthatifshewerepoisonedshewoulddieofpleasure；
　　Mardocheussaidheshouldliketodietoo，andbeganregalinghimselfonitwithevidentrelish。
　　Icouldnothelplaughing，andannouncedmywishtotastethedeadlyfood，andsoweallofuswereeatingit。
　　"Yourresolvesarenotstrongenoughtowithstandseduction，"saidLeah。
　　Thisremarkpiquedme，andIansweredthatshewasimprudenttodiscloseherdesignsinsuchamanner，andthatshewouldfindmyresolvesstrongenoughwhenthetimecame。
　　Afaintsmileplayedaboutherlips。
　　"Tryifyoulike，"Isaid，"topersuademetodrinksomeScopoloorMuscat。Imeanttohavetakensome，butyourtaunthasturnedmetosteel。ImeantoprovethatwhenImakeupmymindIneveralterit。"
　　"Thestrong—mindedmannevergivesway，"saidLeah，"butthegood—heartedmanoftenletshimselfbeoverpersuaded。"
　　"Quiteso，andthegood—heartedgirlrefrainsfromtauntingamanforhisweaknessforher。"
　　IcalledthemaidandtoldhertogototheVenetianconsul’sandgetmesomemoreScopoloandMuscat。Leahpiquedmeoncemorebysayingenthusiastically，——
　　"Iamsureyouarethemostgood—heartedofmenaswellasthefirmest。"
　　Mardocheus，whocouldnotmakeoutwhatwemeant，ate，drank，andlaughed，andseemedpleasedwitheverything。
　　IntheafternoonIwentouttoacafeinspiteofthedreadfulweather。
　　IthoughtoverLeahandherdesigns，feelingcertainthatshewouldpaymeanothernocturnalvisitandrenewtheassaultinforce。Iresolvedtoweakenmyselfwithsomecommonwoman，ifIcouldfindoneatallsupportable。
　　AGreekwhohadtakenmetoadisgustingplaceafewdaysbefore，conductedmetoanotherwhereheintroducedmetoapaintedhorrorofawomanfromwhoseverysightIfledinterror。
　　IfeltangrythatinatownlikeAnconaamanofsomedelicacycouldnotgethismoney’sworthforhismoney，andwenthome，suppedbymyself，andlockedthedoorafterme。
　　Theprecaution，however，wasuseless。
　　AfewminutesafterIhadshutthedoor，LeahknockedonthepretextthatIhadforgottentogiveherthechocolate。
　　Iopenedthedoorandgaveither，andshebeggedmenottolockmyselfin，asshewantedtohaveanimportantandfinalinterview。
　　"Youcantellmenowwhatyouwanttosay。"
　　"No，itwilltakesometime，andIshouldnotliketocometilleveryoneisasleep。Youhavenothingtobeafraidof；youarelordofyourself。
　　Youcangotobedinpeace。"
　　"Ihavecertainlynothingtobeafraidof，andtoproveittoyouIwillleavethedooropen。"
　　Ifeltmorethanevercertainofvictory，andresolvednottoblowoutthecandles，asmydoingsomightbeinterpretedintoaconfessionoffear。Besides，thelightwouldrendermytriumphandherhumiliationmorecomplete。WiththesethoughtsIwenttobed。
　　Ateleveno’clockaslightnoisetoldmethatmyhourhadcome。IsawLeahentermyroominherchemiseandalightpetticoat。Shelockedmydoorsoftly，andwhenIcried，"Well；whatdoyouwantwithme？"sheletherchemiseandpetticoatdrop，andlaydownbesidemeinastateofnature。
　　Iwastoomuchastonishedtorepulseher。
　　Leahwassureofvictory，andwithoutawordshethrewherselfuponme，pressingherlipstomine，anddeprivingmeofallmyfacultiesexceptone。
　　IutilisedashortmomentofreflectionbyconcludingthatIwasapresumtuousfool，andthatLeahwasawomanwithamostextensiveknowledgeofhumannature。
　　Inasecondmycaressbecameasardentashers，andafterkissingherspheresofroseandalabasterIpenetratedtothesanctuaryoflove，which，muchtomyastonishment，Ifoundtobeavirgincitadel。
　　Therewasashortsilence，andthenIsaid，——
　　"DearestLeah，youobligemetoadoreyou；whydidyoufirstinspiremewithhate？Areyounotcomeheremerelytohumiliateme，toobtainanemptyvictory？Ifso，Iforgiveyou；butyouareinthewrong，for，believeme，enjoymentissweeterfarthanvengeance。"
　　"Nay，Ihavenotcometoachieveashamefulvictory，buttogivemyselftoyouwithoutreserve，torenderyoumyconquerorandmyking。Proveyourlovebymakingmehappy，breakdownthebarrierwhichIkeptintact，despiteitsfragilityandmyardour，andifthissacrificedoesnotconvinceyouofmyaffectionyoumustbetheworstofmen。"
　　Ihadneverheardmoreenergeticopinions，andIhadneverseenamorevoluptuoussight。Ibeganthework，andwhileLeahaidedmetothebestofherability，Iforcedthegate，andonLeah’sfaceIreadthemostacutepainandpleasuremingled。InthefirstecstasyofdelightIfelthertrembleineverylimb。
　　Asforme，myenjoymentwasquitenew；Iwastwentyagain，butIhadtheself—restraintofmyage，andtreatedLeahwithdelicacy，holdingherinmyarmstillthreeo’clockinthemorning。WhenIlefthershewasinundatedandexhaustedwithpleasure，whileIcoulddonomore。
　　Sheleftmefullofgratitude，carryingthesoakinglinenawaywithher。
　　Isleptontilltwelveo’clock。
　　WhenIawokeandsawherstandingbymybedsidewiththegentleloveofthedayafterthewedding，theideaofmyapproachingdeparturesaddenedme。Itoldherso，andshebeggedmetostayonaslongasIcould。I
　　repeatedthatwewouldarrangeeverythingwhenwemetagainatnight。
　　Wehadadeliciousdinner，forMardocheuswasbentonconvincingmethathewasnomiser。
　　Ispenttheafternoonwiththeconsul，andarrangedthatIshouldgoonaNeapolitanman—of—warwhichwasinquarantineatthetime，andwastosailforTrieste。
　　AsIshouldbeobligedtopassanothermonthatAncona，Iblessedthestormthathaddrivenmeback。
　　Igavetheconsulthegoldsnuff—boxwithwhichtheElectorofColognehadpresentedme，keepingtheportraitasamemento。Threedayslaterhehandedmefortygoldsequins，whichwasampleformyneeds。
　　MystayinAnconawascostingmedear；butwhenItoldMardocheusthatI
　　shouldnotbegoingforanothermonthhedeclaredhewouldnolongerfeedatmyexpense。OfcourseIdidnotinsist。Leahstilldinedwithme。
　　Ithasalwaysbeenmyopinion，thoughperhapsImaybemistaken，thattheJewwasperfectlywellawareofmyrelationswithhisdaughter。Jewsareusuallyveryliberalonthisarticle，possiblybecausetheycountonthechildbeinganIsraelite。
　　ItookcarethatmydearLeahshouldhavenoreasontorepentofourconnection。HowgratefulandaffectionateshewaswhenItoldherthatI
　　meanttostayanothermonth！Howsheblessedthebadweatherwhichhaddrivenmeback。Weslepttogethereverynight，notexceptingthosenightsforbiddenbythelawsofMoses。
　　Igaveherthelittlegoldheart，whichmightbeworthtensequins，butthatwouldbenorewardforthecareshehadtakenofmylinen。ShealsomademeacceptsomesplendidIndianhandkerchiefs。SixyearslaterImetheragainatPesaro。
　　IleftAnconaonNovember14th，andonthe15thIwasatTrieste。
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　Pittoni——Zaguri——TheProcuratorMorosini——TheVenetianConsul——Gorice——
　　TheFrenchConsul——MadameLeo——MyDevotiontoTheStateInquisitors——
　　Strasoldo——MadameCragnoline——GeneralBurghausenThelandlordaskedmemyname，wemadeouragreement，andIfoundmyselfverycomfortablylodged。NextdayIwenttothepost—officeandfoundseveralletterswhichhadbeenawaitingmeforthelastmonth。IopenedonefromM。Dandolo，andfoundanopenenclosurefromthepatricianMarcoDona，addressedtoBaronPittoni，ChiefofPolice。Onreadingit，I
　　foundIwasverywarmlycommendedtothebaron。Ihastenedtocallonhim，andgavehimtheletter，whichhetookbutdidnotread。HetoldmethatM。Donnahadwrittentohimaboutme，andthathewouldbedelightedtodoanythinginhispowerforme。
　　IthentookMardocheus’slettertohisfriendMosesLevi。Ihadnottheslightestideathattheletterhadanyreferencetomyself，soIgaveittothefirstclerkthatIsawintheoffice。
　　Leviwasanhonestandanagreeableman，andthenextdayhecalledonmeandofferedmehisservicesinthemostcordialmanner。HeshewedmetheletterIhaddelivered，andIwasdelightedtofindthatitreferredtomyself。TheworthyMardocheusbeggedhimtogivemeahundredsequinsincaseIneededanymoney，addingthatanypolitenessshewntomewouldbeasifshewntohimself。
　　ThisbehaviouronthepartofMardocheusfilledmewithgratitude，andreconciledme，sotospeak，withthewholeJewishnation。Iwrotehimaletterofthanks，offeringtoservehimatVeniceinanywayIcould。
　　IcouldnothelpcomparingthecordialityofLevi’swelcomewiththeformalandceremoniousreceptionofBaronPittoni。ThebaronwastenortwelveyearsyoungerthanI。Hewasamanofparts，andquitedevoidofprejudice。Aswornfoeof’meumandtuum’，andwhollyincapableofeconomy，heleftthewholecareofhishousetohisvalet，whorobbedhim，butthebaronknewitandmadenoobjection。Hewasadeterminedbachelor，agallant，andthefriendandpatronoflibertines。Hischiefdefectwashisforgetfulnessandabsenceofmind，whichmadehimmismanageimportantbusiness。
　　Hewasreputed，thoughwrongly，tobealiar。Aliarisapersonwhotellsfalsehoodsintentionally，whileifPittonitoldliesitwasbecausehehadforgottenthetruth。Webecamegoodfriendsinthecourseofamonth，andwehaveremainedfriendstothisday。
　　IwrotetomyfriendsatVenice，announcingmyarrivalatTrieste，andforthenexttendaysIkeptmyroom，busiedinputtingtogetherthenotesIhadmadeonPolisheventssincethedeathofElizabethPetrovna。
　　ImeanttowriteahistoryofthetroublesofunhappyPolanduptoitsdismemberment，whichwastakingplaceattheepochinwhichIwaswriting。
　　IhadforeseenallthiswhenthePolishDietrecognizedthedyingczarinaasEmpressofalltheRussians，andtheElectorofBrandenburgasKingofPrussia，andIproceededwithmyhistory；butonlythefirstthreevolumeswerepublished，owingtotheprintersbreakingtheagreement。
　　Thefourlastvolumeswillbefoundinmanuscriptaftermydeath，andanyonewholikesmaypublishthem。ButIhavebecomeindifferenttoallthisastomanyothermatterssinceIhaveseenFollycrownedkingoftheearth。
　　To—daythereisnosuchcountryasPoland，butitmightstillbeinexistenceifithadnotbeenfortheambitionoftheCzartoryskifamily，whosepridehadbeenhumiliatedbyCountBruhl，theprimeminister。TogainvengeancePrinceAugustusCzartoryskiruinedhiscountry。Hewassoblindedbypassionthatheforgotthatallactionshavetheirinevitableresults。
　　CzartoryskihaddeterminednotonlytoexcludetheHouseofSaxonyfromthesuccession，buttodethronethememberofthatfamilywhowasreigning。TodothisthehelpoftheCzarinaandoftheElectorofBrandenburgwasnecessary，sohemadethePolishDietacknowledgetheoneasEmpressofalltheRussians，andtheotherasKingofPrussia。ThetwosovereignswouldnottreatwiththePolishCommonwealthtillthisclaimhadbeensatisfied；buttheCommonwealthshouldneverhavegrantedthesetitles，forPolanditselfpossessedmostoftheRussias，andwasthetruesovereignofPrussia，theElectorofBrandenburgbeingonlyDukeofPrussiainreality。
　　PrinceCzartoryski，blindedbythedesireofvengeance，persuadedtheDietthattogivethetwosovereignsthesetitleswouldbemerelyaform，andthattheywouldneverbecomeanythingmorethanhonorary。Thismightbeso，butifPolandhadpossessedfar—seeingstatesmentheywouldhaveguessedthatanhonorarytitlewouldendintheusurpationofthewholecountry。
　　TheRussianpalatinhadthepleasureofseeinghisnephewStanislasPoniatowskionthethrone。
　　Imyselftoldhimthatthesetitlesgavearight，andthatthepromisenottomakeanyuseofthemwasameredelusion。Iaddedjokingly——forIwasobligedtoadoptahumoroustone——thatbeforelongEuropewouldtakepityonPoland，whichhadtobeartheheavyweightofalltheRussiasandthekingdomofPrussiaaswell，andtheCommonwealthwouldfinditselfrelievedofallthesecharges。
　　Myprophecyhasbeenfulfilled。ThetwoprinceswhosetitleswereallowedhavetornPolandlimbfromlimb；itisnowabsorbedinRussiaandPrussia。
　　ThesecondgreatmistakemadebyPolandwasinnotrememberingtheapologueofthemanandthehorsewhenthequestionofprotectionpresenteditself。
　　TheRepublicofRomebecamemistressoftheworldbyprotectingothernations。
　　ThusPolandcametoruinthroughambition，vengeance，andfolly——butfollymostofall。
　　ThesamereasonlayattherootoftheFrenchRevolution。LouisXVI。
　　paidthepenaltyofhisfollywithhislife。Ifhehadbeenawiserulerhewouldstillbeonthethrone，andFrancewouldhaveescapedthefuryoftheRevolutionists。Franceissick；inanyothercountrythissicknessmightberemedied，butIwouldnotwonderifitprovedincurableinFrance。
　　CertainemotionalpersonsaremovedtopitybytheemigrantFrenchnobles，butformypartIthinkthemonlyworthyofcontempt。Insteadofparadingtheirprideandtheirdisgracebeforetheeyesofforeignnations，theyshouldhaveralliedroundtheirking，andeitherhavesavedthethroneordiedunderitsruins。WhatwillbecomeofFrance？Itwashardtosay；butitiscertainthatabodywithoutaheadcannotliveverylong，forreasonissituateinthehead。
　　OnDecember1stBaronPittonibeggedmetocallonhimassomeonehadcomefromVeniceonpurposetoseeme。
　　Idressedmyselfhastily，andwenttothebaron’s，whereIsawafine—
　　lookingmanofthirty—fiveorforty，elegantlydressed。Helookedatmewiththeliveliestinterest。
　　"Myhearttellsme，"Ibegan，"thatyourexcellence’snameisZaguri？"
　　"Exactlyso，mydearCasanova。AssoonasmyfriendDandolotoldmeofyourarrivalhere，Ideterminedtocomeandcongratulateyouonyourapproachingrecall，whichwilltakeplaceeitherthisyearorthenext，asIhopetoseetwofriendsofminemadeInquisitors。YoumayjudgeofmyfriendshipforyouwhenItellyouthatIaman’avogador’，andthatthereisalawforbiddingsuchtoleaveVenice。Wewillspendto—dayandto—morrowtogether。"
　　IrepliedinamannertoconvincehimthatIwassensibleofthehonourhehaddoneme；andIheardBaronPittonibeggingmetoexcusehimfornothavingcometoseeme。Hesaidhehadforgottenallaboutit，andahandsomeoldmanbeggedhisexcellencetoaskmetodinewithhim，thoughhehadnotthepleasureofknowingme。
　　"What！"saidZaguri。"Casanovahasbeenhereforthelasttendays，anddoesnotknowtheVenetianconsul？"
　　Ihastenedtospeak。
　　"It’smyownfault，"Iobserved，"Ididnotlikecallingonthisgentleman，forfearhemightthinkmecontraband。"
　　TheconsulansweredwittilythatIwasnotcontrabandbutinquarantine，pendingmyreturntomynativeland；andthatinthemeanwhilehishousewouldalwaysbeopentome，ashadbeenthehouseoftheVenetianconsulatAncona。
　　Inthismannerheletmeknowthatheknewsomethingaboutme，andIwasnotatallsorryforit。
　　MarcoMonti，suchwastheconsul’sname，wasamanofpartsandmuchexperience；apleasantcompanionandagreatconversationalist，fondoftellingamusingstorieswithagraveface——infact，mostexcellentcompany。
　　Iwassomethingofa’conteur’myself，andwesoonbecamefriendlyrivalsintellinganecdotes。InspiteofhisthirtyadditionalyearsIwasatolerablematchforhim，andwhenwewereinaroomtherewasnoquestionofgainingtokillthetime。
　　Webecamefastfriends，andIbenefitedagooddealbyhisofficesduringthetwoyearsIspentinTrieste，andIhavealwaysthoughtthathehadaconsiderableshareinobtainingmyrecall。Thatwasmygreatobjectinthosedays；Iwasavictimtonostalgia，orhomesickness。
　　WiththeSwissandtheSclavsitisreallyafataldisease，whichcarriesthemoffiftheyarenotsenthomeimmediately。Germansaresubjecttothisweaknessalso；whilsttheFrenchsufferverylittle，andItaliansnotmuchmorefromthecomplaint。
　　Norule，however，lacksitsexception，andIwasone。IdaresayIshouldhavegotovermynostalgiaifIhadtreateditwithcontempt，andthenI
　　shouldnothavewastedtenyearsofmylifeinthebosomofmycruelstepmotherVenice。
　　IdinedwithM。Zaguriattheconsul’s，andIwasinvitedtodinewiththegovernor，CountAuersperg，thenextday。
　　ThevisitfromaVenetian’avogador’mademeapersonofgreatconsideration。Iwasnolongerlookeduponasanexile，butasonewhohadsuccessfullyescapedfromillegalconfinement。